Pro Wrestling Chronicle

7.21.96 Jericho/Liger/Gedo/Guerrera vs Ultimo Dragon/Yasuraoka/Lance Storm/Misterio Jr. (WAR)

This is what I’d call a contained spotfest in that everyone gets time to work there big flashy moves into the match, especially in the opening pairings and finish, but it’s got some sense to it. The pairing off and feeling out process helps. I find I liked watching Juvi vs Rey Jr more here than when watching a AAA match of there’s just minutes before because they adapt to the Japanese style and pace a bit more. No standing around or waiting for the choreography, they just do it. It helps there’s people in the match they have to tag, so they have more an overall sense of urgency. I’d say that’s the biggest thing that holds me back from loving Lucha – a lack of urgency and a sense of over planning.

The best pairing here was Ultimo and Liger and they didn’t disappoint. I marked out for Rey Jr vs Liger too. Jericho worked well in moments with Rey, and his “come on, ba-ba!” crap was slightly more tolerable than usual. I can’t believe after all these years it took an update of character in 2008 to make me really like him.

We only saw eleven minutes out of 17:35, but you got the idea this was a fun mix of guys in a decently to very well laid out juniors dream match. Guerrera took the pin off some big moves. I had fun, so thumbs up for this clipped match